Difference between revisions of "Squiggles research computer server"

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(FastX Method)
(Connecting to Squiggles)
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[[File:Putty config2 tunnel.PNG]]
 
[[File:Putty config2 tunnel.PNG]]
  
=== Connecting to Squiggles ===
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=== Create a new Session and Connecting to Squiggles ===
 
Before proceeding with either the VNC or FastX methods, ensure you've established an SSH tunnel
 
Before proceeding with either the VNC or FastX methods, ensure you've established an SSH tunnel
  

Revision as of 18:45, 31 August 2023

Introduction

"Squiggles" is a dedicated research computer server designed for the analysis and storage of MEG, Neurophysiology, and Epilepsy data. This guide elucidates the steps to connect using either the recommended FastX connection or the traditional VNC method.

Access Requirements

RCC Account

  • To utilize "Squiggles", an RCC (Research Computer Server) account is mandatory.
  • Register for an account on [MCW-Infoscope's Research Computing Center].
  • If prompted, choose "others" followed by "squiggles" to indicate the server of interest.
  • Adhere to the ensuing steps to kickstart a new session and gain remote access to Squiggles.

Login to Squiggles

Choose User Ports: Each user has a dedicated port number for login. New users should select a sport number (##) that is not taken by other users:

User Port
Jeff Stout 5910,5911
Joe Heffernan 5912
Candida Ustine 5914
Manoj Raghavan 5913
Chad Carlson 5915
Chris Anderson 5916
Serena Thompson 5917
Patrick Bauer 5918
Jeff Binder 5919
Leo Fernandino 5920
Lisa Conant 5921
Aqil Izadysadr 5922
Nick Guzowski 5923
Zack Harper 5924
Bill Gross 5925
Michelle Kassel 5926
Greg McQuestion 5927
Monica Keith 5928
Priyanka Shah 5929
Vahab Youssofzadeh 5931
Songhee Kim 5935
Cameron J Stewart 5992
SSH Tunneling
  • Power Shell Method (for Mac/Linux/Windows): In a bash shell, terminal, or Windows PowerShell, execute the following to set up an SSH tunnel for the VNC Viewer:

ssh -N -L 59##:localhost:59## squiggles.rcc.mcw.edu

  • Putty (for Windows):

Download Putty for SSH tunneling, and follow the below images for configuration:

PuTTY is an open-source software for SSH Tunneling (or SSH Port Forwarding).

Putty config1.PNG Putty config2 tunnel.PNG

Create a new Session and Connecting to Squiggles

Before proceeding with either the VNC or FastX methods, ensure you've established an SSH tunnel

VNC Method

  • Creating & Accessing a VNC Session:
    • VNC sessions are initialized automatically during boot-up.
    • If issues arise, manually start a session with: vncserver :## -geometry 1900x1200, replacing ## with your specific port number.
    • For access, employ the [RealVNC viewer].
    • In the server address bar, input localhost:##, where ## matches the last two digits of your port.

Vncviewer.png

FastX Method

FastX is potentially a more seamless alternative to VNC, especially when handling many simultaneous users.

  • Fetch the FastX client and then:
    • Launch FastX.
    • Press '+' to set up a new connection.
    • Enter Connection Name, host (squiggles.rcc.mcw.edu), and your RCC username.
    • To begin a session, tap '+' and use the command /etc/X11/xinit/xinitrc.

FastX config.png

Troubleshooting

  • VNC Black Screen: Experiencing a black screen after VNC login? Ensure you've deactivated Anaconda Python prior. Command: conda deactivate.
  • Persistent VNC Issues: Switch to the FastX method.
  • Killing a VNC session: In terminal, vncserver -kill :xx/. For manual termination:
rm -f /tmp/.Xxx-lock
rm -f /tmp/.X11-unix/Xxx
  • Identifying Active Users: Command ls -l /tmp/.X11-unix.